Brine Clutch Elite Moment: Kevin Leveille

Brine Pro Player, Kevin Leveille, talks with ILGear about his most memorable clutch moment, what it takes to be a clutch performer, and who he thinks is the most clutch athlete of all time.

What is your most memorable clutch moment?

In 2009, playing for the Chicago Machine, the playoff race was real tight for the last spot. We were playing the Bayhawks for the last spot down in Annapolis. It was a must-win for both teams. They got ahead early, and we trailed most of the game. Overcoming some major penalties against us, we battled back and found ourselves down one goal with less than a minute to go. We had possession with about 40 seconds. Shanahan took a shot and just missed the cage, my brother backed it up. He brought the ball inbounds with about 30 ticks left and tried to penetrate from behind. He had no luck. I was floating in the high crease, to the right of the cage. He fired the ball to me as he realized time was running out, and he couldn't make something happen. I caught the ball and Hartzell was right on me. Nine times out of ten, if I dodge on Kyle, the balls on the ground going the other way. This time though, I put my head down and worked towards the goal. He hit me under the chin, flag down, but I kept going. I worked my way to goal-line extended and got the inside track on Hartz. At this point, I was on the goal-line, going full speed towards the goal with no angle. Only one thing to do. So, without thinking about it I launched towards the goal. As I was in the air, I took my right hand off of the stick, wrapped my stick around Garrity and dunk the ball in without hitting the crease first. I landed on the back frame of the goal, which hurt, but I saw the refs arms raising to signal the goal so I was ok. There was probably 15 seconds left and we still had a chance. It was my sixth goal of the game. We ended up losing in OT but that was my clutch moment.

What’s your definition of a clutch performance?

Rising above your normal level of play and putting your team on your back and giving them the best chance for the W.

What’s your tip for younger players on how to be a clutch player?

Care about your team. If you really care about your team and its success, opportunities to be Clutch will come and without thinking about it, you'll rise to the occasion.

Who is the most clutch athlete of all time?

Mark Messier of the NY Rangers. In '94, during the NHL Eastern Conference Finals, he guaranteed a W in Game 6 against the Devils. The Devils led the series 3-2 at the time and were playing on home ice. The Devils took an early lead and it was not looking good for the Rangers. It was Messier's clutch moment. He literally took control of the game, scored three goals down the stretch and led the Rangers to the victory that he had guaranteed the day before. I couldn't think of a more clutch performance than that, it all of sports, ever! Rangers went on to win the Cup. Pretty awesome.